Mend > Irrigation Systems

How can I mend a hole (hairline crack) in my plastic water butt?

The hole is at the bottom of the butt so is under quite a lot of pressure from the water. I think I will need to mend it inside rather then outside as the pressure would probably push any outer patch off. What sort of patch, fixing is available? Would a blob of silicone sealant work?

L Percival
April 2008

Garden Tools, Irrigation Systems Water Bottom Lot

Suggestions on YouTube worth checking out - they include melting a patch cut from a plastic milk carton - also melting cable ties with a heat gun to weld a crack into and onto the crack. Use of a plastic bottle cap melted into a patch and heat welded onto the butt is suggested.

I Blame the Parents
October 2021

I mended a 6 inch crack in the bottom of my green plastic water butt by melting the plastic with a hot soldering iron inside then on the outside. It is still working after 2 years.

john
May 2010

I tried drilling out where there was a small pinhole and filling it with an M6 nut, bolt and washer with lots of silicone sealant all over it. Worked for a while, but the problem is a weakness in the moulding where the tap fits and the surface has a sharp angle; the thickness of plastic is very thin at the corner and fails easily; just holds long enough to loose the receipt.

Tim Holland
July 2008

Silicone sealant is about all you can really use - it may work for a while, it may not. You must ensure that the plastic is perfectly dry and clean before trying it though. The only alternative is to have it plastic welded, with will be more than the butt is worth - or maybe applying a layer of fibreglass. Again, not really worth the hassle.

John
April 2008